Ready for School. Ready for Life.

 

           

 

Being outside is good for young children; they can move, run and climb. But the outdoors is good for more than just physical play. While participating in outdoor activities young children learn things that will help them be ready for school – such as observing and exploring science in action, learning about the world we live in and practicing early math & literacy skills in the real world.

Many parents know the importance of reading to young children, but did you know that introducing your toddlers and preschoolers to writing, can also help them develop important literacy skills? This doesn't mean that you should expect young children to write letters and words correctly, but it does mean you should show them how and why we write, (just like when you read to them you are showing them how and why we read). You can do this by writing down the words that children say about a picture they have drawn, or by encouraging children to watch you while you make a shopping list (you can even let them "help" you write the list if they are interested). Remember, young children develop as writers through real life practice and by having opportunities to write with parents and other caring adults.

Although the 2013-2014 school year is still a few months away, Roanoke elementary schools are beginning to register children for Kindergarten.
In Virginia, any child who will be five years old by September 30th, 2013 is able to enroll for Kindergarten this next fall.  But being old enough isn't always the same thing as being ready.